Health Promotion Grad Now A Role Model For Her Community Of Wikwemikong
Laurentian Alumni Spotlight: Dehmin Eshkaokogan
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Dehmin Eshkakogan, a recent graduate of Laurentian University's health promotion program, continues to use the support system around him to overcome any challenges he faces.
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Close to his hometown of Wikwemikong and his family, Dehmin said, “When I was in high school, I wasn't sure what programs I wanted to apply to, but I knew very well that I wanted to be close to home. This is one of the main reasons I chose Laurentian, which is only two hours from my home.
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Dehmin originally wanted to become a nurse, but was immediately drawn to the health promotion program "because when I read the description of the program, that was what I wanted to do and what I wanted to do."
Dehmin's support and motivation in choosing a post-secondary institution and program seem to extend beyond his family and his involvement; A grassroots organization designed to empower local youth, the program offers many opportunities, including pairing her with a mentor, participating in dance lessons and team trips for competitions.
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“It gave me something to look forward to; a reason to get good results.
Balancing school, curriculum, work and a social life, Dehmin said she feels the Outbound program has helped her develop a variety of skills relevant to everyday use. This includes "time management and discipline to complete assignments and assignments".
"I think that helped motivate me to go to Toronto and finish my homework and dance competitions, which was a big motivation."
About her high school experience at Wikwemikong High School and participating in a study abroad program as a sophomore in college, she said, “ The study abroad program helped me transition from high school to college and now from undergrad to college.”
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After arriving at Laurentian, Dehm described living in the dorms as a culture shock, saying, "Especially coming from a race, it was dorm style, so it's like the hallways and dorms are there, like in the movies."
"I think it was a big culture shock for me, because you get close to everyone so quickly. It prepared me to take the next step to go out on my own."
"I haven't been able to connect with the community as much as I would like because of Covid," Dehmin said after struggling with pandemic isolation, "but what excites me the most is getting back to campus." I think it's a big positive change from distance learning to in-person learning because I have to be in class to learn, so I feel like I'm enjoying my classes more.
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Dehmin was an engaged student throughout her high school experience and would have been an excellent member of the Lorenian community in many extracurricular activities if given the opportunity.
During her freshman year, Dehmin attended a firefighting workshop on campus through the Local Representative Sharing and Learning Center (ISLC).
After graduating, Dehmin worked as a summer student coordinator at the Wikwemikong Development Commission. It "helps find employers to hire students and helps budget for those students to pay their salaries over the summer." Through his knowledge of the health promotion program, Dehmin said he feels the community has a better understanding of health.
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In the fall, Dehmin plans to attend Georgia College through the Anishnabemowin and Program Development program. After this two-year program, "I want to apply to a physical therapy school and become a physical therapist."
Dehmin said the courses she took through Laurentian's health promotion program, such as the principles of health and disease and biomechanics, initially focused her attention on physical therapy as a career.
Dehmin is now a role model for society as well as for his family.
“I'm actually the first high school graduate in my family. My mom and dad didn't graduate, and my sister is younger than me. So I can say that I am the first person in my family to go to university.
Her younger sister wants to follow in her older sister's footsteps by enrolling in high school and pursuing a career in healthcare.
Dehmin's family attended his graduation ceremony this spring and are proud of his accomplishments.
"I have a nice frame for my diploma, it's hanging."
sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @SudburyStar
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